Paul has already pointed out that there are exceptions to the general principle that it is good not to marry. It is better, namely, to marry than to be tempted to sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 7:2). He repeats this caution, this time applying it specifically to the unmarried.
The phrase to burn with passion
is a figurative translation, where the literal translation would simply be to burn.
Elsewhere, Paul also uses the word burn
to refer to a strong emotion (2 Corinthians 11:29).
The point is that it is better to marry
if one does not have the self-control to subdue one’s sexual desires. For similar counsel, see 1 Corinthians 7:5 and 1 Timothy 5:11–15.
9 Mais s'ils manquent de maîtrise d'eux-mêmes, qu'ils se marient; car il vaut mieux se marier que de brûler.